Dmitri N. Shalin

Dmitri N. Shalin, a Professor of Sociology at UNLV and author of the first true biography of Erving Goffman, dives deep into Goffman's life and work. He reveals how Goffman’s upbringing as a Russian Jew and personal losses shaped his sociological insights. The conversation explores the significance of the Goffman Archives and touches on themes such as identity, mental health, and the influence of gambling on his theories. Shalin also discusses Goffman’s evolving views on gender and his interdisciplinary legacy, emphasizing the interplay of personal and sociological narratives.

Dmitri N. Shalin, a Sociology professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and director of the Centre for Democratic Culture, delves into the life of Erving Goffman, a pivotal sociologist. Shalin discusses the challenges of writing Goffman's biography due to restricted access to his papers. He unpacks how Goffman's immigrant background and personal tragedies shaped his groundbreaking theories on identity and mental health. The conversation also explores Goffman's legacy in sociology and its relevance to contemporary democratic politics.

Dmitri N. Shalin, a Professor of Sociology at the University of Nevada, sheds light on the enigmatic life of Erving Goffman, one of sociology's greats. They explore Goffman's immigrant roots and how personal tragedies shaped his sociological theories. Shalin discusses the significance of the Erving Goffman Archives in revealing Goffman's insights on mental health, identity, and social dynamics. The conversation dives into Goffman’s evolving perspectives on gender and the poignant impact of his wife’s struggles on his work, providing a rich, humanized view of the scholar.